Downtown Vancouver is a sanctuary for earnest tourists wanting to find easygoing excitement, away from the bustling streets of Portland across the bridge. For VanCougs who are new to the area, or have lived in the city all their lives, there is always something new to explore in the very heart of Vancouver. Therefore, to eliminate the day-to-day question, “what should I do today?”, here are four downtown attractions for VanCougs to visit before summer ends.
Vancouver’s Waterfront Park
As a result of Vancouver’s booming infrastructure, the city’s newly developed Columbia river waterfront is expanding downtown by leaps and bounds. Located on the West side of the Pacific Highway, there are swanky apartment buildings for new residents seeking a view of the river, while restaurants and businesses have offered a serene experience for every visitor.
Along Waterfront Vancouver, there are many grassy areas suitable for relaxing in the sun, and paved sidewalks fit for walking, biking, skateboarding or rollerblading. The new waterfront also serves as a great ambiance for visitors who enjoy wine tasting, with many places to explore such as the Maryhill Winery, Airfield Estates Vancouver Tasting Room and Barnard Griffin Winery.
Additionally, the waterfront provides an awe-inspiring experience providing sightseers with a view of the massive ship mast that marks the Grant Street Pier’s development. According to Visit Vancouver USA, the Grant Street Pier is a 90-foot installation that “evoke[s] the billow of a passing sailboat. … The pier is the focal point for [the] Vancouver Waterfront Park.” Tourists may also want to grab a bite to eat from restaurants like Barlows Public House, Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar or Wildfin American Grill, all of which have patio seating overlooking the riverside.
Ice Cream Renaissance
Compared to every ice cream establishment in Vancouver, Ice Cream Renaissance is an absolute knockout. Located on 1925 Main Street in downtown Vancouver, the establishment not only provides dietary accommodations such as vegan ice cream, but is known for its one-of-a-kind cookies, cakes and pies. Several menu items also have Italian Renaissance-related names that translate to slapstick puns, such as the Botticelli Brownie Sundae, Bellini Banana Split and Not so Leaning Tower of Pisa. The shop offers several classic flavors of ice cream like strawberries and cream, honey vanilla and old-fashioned milk chocolate, while also presenting a few curious bites like the Midnight Decadence sorbet or ChocoNana Chip. Taking a quick trip to Ice Cream Renaissance on a sunny afternoon is highly recommended and is a perfect summer treat that anyone would appreciate.
Joe Brown’s Cafe
Searching for the perfect place to find a classic, greasy meal? Joe Brown’s Cafe, located at 817 Main Street is the best and oldest restaurant in town, offering great breakfast and lunch choices, all day long, seven days a week. Established in 1932, the cafe transports its visitors back in time, as it presents a genuine retro experience. The interior is small, but mighty, with strips of colorful cars at eye-level, lining the vinyl green booths and a view of the diner counter where the chefs prepare your meal from scratch. For many restaurant enthusiasts, finding a gem like Joe Brown’s Cafe creates an authentic experience for those wanting to explore downtown Vancouver’s rich and enduring history.
Vintage Shopping
When exploring the downtown area, it is essential to run into one of Vancouver’s many vintage or antique shops. Several thrifts, consignment and hometown furniture stores have the potential to hold interesting knick-knacks, strange kitchenware, old vinyl records, clothing or almost anything else you can imagine. Several shops, such as House of Vintage, Main Street Trader or Main Street Vintage, provide custom and collectible pieces of quality furniture and antiques to fill the empty spaces within your home. Whether you are looking to purchase something new or want to browse through a variety of unique items, exploring downtown Vancouver’s exceptional array of vintage shops is a perfect way to spend your afternoon outings.
Before the school year starts, why not take a few trips downtown and enjoy the extensive shops and eateries Vancouver has to offer? You never know what you’ll find in the quaint and charming corners of the beloved city.
Olivia is a senior studying English at WSU Vancouver.